How Do I Explain Long Unemployment Gaps During Interviews?

[HaveFaith]

Im currently applying for jobs again as I feel stable enough to work... Although typing that brought up that lurking no response lol.. Its been 2 yrs since I took leave from school and 4 years since I last worked. I cant believe its been that long... I needed the past two yrs to just stop all the stressors and give my body a chance to heal.... I had to... All the stress from my inability to control my reactivity towards any stressor caused me to have sharp pains in my chest one day and right arm temporarily numb.. It has happened 3 times and knew i had to stop. Havent gotten blood work done yet.. Wouldnt be surprised if i had type2 diabetes for awhile now, the symptoms have been there for years now.. Explains the lack of energy, always chronically tired, thirsty... My point is how do i explain the long unemplyment gaps ?? If i wasnt working, i was in school and vice versa. But theres another question: why havent i finished my BA in 6 years now... The lack of work experience, lack of volunteering.. How do i exlain my health issues without being written off in two seconds? Im not ashamed and willing to be honest but not sure how much is too much to disclose... Do i mention childhood traumas, pts? Anxiety? I dont want to come off as im leisurly taking years off as if im entitled, while everyone is working their ass off, so why should i get the handout... Do employers really care about that? They just want ppl who can get the job done right? And i can, but again the long unemployment gaps!!! Anyone willing to share their experience?? Thanks for listening.

 

[Fadeaway]

Don't mention the trauma. You had a unique opportunity to work on a private venture, that you may write about someday. (aka your health)

 

[lostforgottensoul]

I dont want to come off as im leisurly taking years off as if im entitled, while everyone is working their ass off, so why should i get the handout... Do employers really care about that?

FMLA covers you so as long as you can still perform job duties and apply for it. In my job I had to be there a year before applying and most jobs have this restriction.

I wouldnt volunteer anything in the interview about trauma or PTSD or anything besides "look at me im best for thos position" or you may not to get a job.

After you are hired give necessary info ONLY. My job only knew about my anxiety as thats what the FMLA is for and one day felt comfortable with my sup and disclosed too much and now im being ridden hard, trying to force me to quit (not happening) or find me slipping somewhere to fire me over.

Applying, I always fudge a bit on resumes but not sure how one can remember exact dates. Year gaps id not offer anything, just leave it blank. If asked advise at that point but id still keep it simple. These people dont know you. You could of been caring for your dying grannie. You know?

 

[lostforgottensoul]

You had a unique opportunity to work on a private venture, that you may write about someday.

That's an awesome line that I may steal lol.

 

[HaveFaith]

Don't mention the trauma. You had a unique opportunity to work on a private venture, that you may writ...

Haha tempted to use those exact words!!! Funny thing is, Ive already been journaling/ blogging my experiences.. So i can share one day to help people.. Like you guys here helping me. Ive got this idea of a free ebook... But anyways, I was just reading through an old post where ppl had terrible experiences when they disclosed their medical issues to boss/ coworkers ... But i think i agree, dont disclose. I really want to use that exact line haha, thanks for your advice! :)

 

[HaveFaith]

FMLA covers you so as long as you can still perform job duties and apply for it. In my job I...

Thanks for your response! Less disclosure, now to think of something positive to say... I really might use the private venture mentioned above haha! Should i even mention the words "working on health issues"? Just to be preparesd... Im at a blank. Does "taking the time to discover what im passionate about" sound too leisurly and entitled as well? lol.. Or go the sad route.. Grampa actually passed away during that time.. Family issues? It all sounds like a terrible response..

 

[HaveFaith]

FMLA covers you so as long as you can still perform job duties and apply for it. In my job I...

Sorry to hear about your sup being an asshole to you after you confided in him/her. Ppl are f*uckin assholes ugh but good to hear you arent letting it get to you!

 

[lostforgottensoul]

Sorry to hear about your sup being an asshole to you after you confided in him/her.

Its more the company. Not necessarly him and now her (a new sup). Its hard to keep your composure at my job so its a struggle daiily.

 

[NoWhereKnowWhere]

I personally would and have lied. I've basically totally fabricated my CV pulling from jobs I've done and feel capable of doing. Making it look like there are no gaps. It's never come back to bite me but when your working minimum wage jobs I think they care less about checking up on this type of thing.

it depends on the type of job your going for, for example in a career in mental healthcare or support work it would be a great advantage to be an expert by experience. So yeah go ahead and disclose.

In jobs that I've had in the past disclosure of any mental health issues has caused me nothing but grief.

I another good lie is the grandma one or be more general "caring for a relative".

 

[HaveFaith]

Its more the company. Not necessarly him and now her (a new sup). Its hard to keep your com...

I can understand and you dont deserve to be pushed around! But do what you gotta do to not let them get to you... I would always think to myself, what a drainbow their life must be to treat others with disrespect, so I try not to let it affect me. It makes me feel better. I wish i can offer better advice... but keep your head up! :)

 

[HaveFaith]

I personally would and have lied. I've basically totally fabricated my CV pulling from jobs I'...

I was told to fabricate by my brother but Im really bad at lying lol... I would stumble on my words and give it away. Im aiming more for receptionist jobs at the moment... But will consider using the "caring for a relative" excuse. Cover letters and resumes are a pain in the ass! Thanks for your suggestions.. I need to work on my lying skills because i need to work alread! lol